Cost of living in Cary
Cary, located in North Carolina, is known for its family-friendly environment and thriving community. Understanding the cost of living in Cary is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16.5 on average, with a range between $8.76 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $60 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.75, with a range between $7 and $10.5.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.75 to $12, imported beer $6.25 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.02.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.7.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4 to $4.99, averaging $4.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.41 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $4.41 to $5.51 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $3.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.59 to $4.69 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.2.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $0.88 per liter.
- Monthly Pass - A monthly pass for public transport is priced at $40.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1434 to $2250, averaging $1828.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2000, averaging $1633.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3000 to $3100, averaging $3033.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $2750, averaging $2416.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $2960.08.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $2690.98.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $165.75 and $230, averaging $202.06.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $70, with an average cost of $54.83.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Cary offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable housing compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering options for both budget-friendly and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and gasoline prices.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cary, NC, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
With its affordable housing options and reasonable transportation costs, Cary is an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Prospective residents should consider their dining and grocery preferences, as these can impact monthly expenses.